Don't going blowing in the wind.

Let's face it, most outerwear is a drag, literally. It will always seem counterproductive to have a vest that's 'protecting you' from the wind while it's flapping away in it like mad. That's why the Italian icon, Santini, developed its Zone Vest. With the Zone vest, you still receive all of the warming and wind-protecting elements of protective outerwear with the fit and feel of a handmade, Italian jersey.

To make the Zone vest a suitable protector from the elements, Santini constructed it from a wind-resistant, polyester fabric. This material has a great deal of stretch, and it's also lightweight, breathable, and highly conforming to the body. Weighing closer to a jersey than outerwear, the Zone is designed on more of the airy end of the spectrum, with Santini recommending it for temperatures varying from the upper 50s to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat tolerance is supported by a few key features. Of course, at the front of the vest, there's a full-length zipper that's indispensable for dumping heat on-the-fly. And at the sleeves and rear of the vest, Santini incorporated two open-mesh inserts that not only assist in the breathing and ventilation of the vest, but they also support the precise, anatomic fit of the Zone.

After all, Santini knows that expensive, technical fabrics are moot when a vest's fit is off. And in our opinion, fit is where Santini truly breaks off onto its own course. Knowing that the Zone isn't meant for lounging, Santini designed the cut to accommodate your body in the cycling position. What does this mean? Simple. The shape of everything from the seams to the hems are contoured for the cycling-specific position of reaching from the saddle to the bars. And with its stretchable, polyester composition, you'll also experience the fabric conforming to your body, specifically. This system eliminates any bunching or chafing throughout movement.

For storage of your ride essentials, Santini included three rear pockets. And to increase your visibility to motorists on the road, reflective accents have been incorporated throughout the vest.

The Santini Zone Vest is available in six sizes from Small to XXX-Large and in the colors Red, White, and Royal.

Here's what others have to say...

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Sharp looking

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I like the look of this vest. The black details have a shiny patent leather look and stand out. It is race taper fit, so no wind flap which I want in a vest. Sizing is similar to Castelli, so size one up. Seems will put together, no loose threads. It is for fall temps, not winter cold.

Comment on Leakyreef's review:

Great vest!

This is the real deal. All Santini clothing is designed and manufactured in Italy by Pietro Santini and family since 1965.

Application: Versatile vest for riding in 50-80* weather (depending upon the baselayer and jersey used underneath).

PROS: (1) Very well ventilated. The entire back features fabrics that breathe very well -including two strips of white mesh on the sides that go the length of the vest.

(2) Made in Italy. (3) Quality. You just don't find this level of quality in most cycle clothing made in Asia. Advanced fabric design. Beautiful attention to detail. The sewing here is flawless. And strong high-quality zipper! (unlike in the lightweight Castelli Leggera vest).

CONS: Watch the sizing.

FIT: This is meant to be a form-fit vest, so no flapping in the wind. Still... size-up one or even two sizes depending on your BMI - per usual with Santini. I'm 5'10" and 185lbs. The XL fit fine in the torso but was too tight in the neck. So, I exchanged for it a XXL (thank you CC). Perfect.